Beyond mental health's network: between challenges and potentialities

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the challenges and the potentialities of the network of mental health from the Family Health Strategy. Methods: It is a descriptive and exploratory study, with qualitative methodological approach. The data collection occurred in the period of April to May 2012 in Family Health Units in the city of Pelotas/ RS. There were performed semi-structured interviews with six managers, which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: The challenges are highlighted by: lack of support from management, excessive use of psychotropic drugs, some professionals do not know their users and lack of communication on the network. The potentialities are: the recognition of the involvement of professionals with the actions of mental health and the concern of managers with the practices of mental health within their services. Conclusion: The care involves many social actors that need to work in network to mitigate the challenges and strengthen the potential to affect the care.